Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Meatballs come together with just five ingredients and minimal effort. Frozen meatballs simmer in a glossy sweet-heat sauce made from grape jelly, chili sauce, and spices—making this a perfect game day appetizer or easy party dish.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (2–3 quart)
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 28 oz frozen meatballs
- 12 oz chili sauce (such as Heinz)
- 12 oz grape jelly
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
Instructions
- Ensure slow cooker is clean and ready. A 2–3 quart cooker works well.
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chili sauce and grape jelly to the saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring until melted and combined.
- Stir in crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust heat as desired.
- Pour frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Add sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, stirring once after the first hour. Meatballs are done when heated through and sauce is bubbly.
- Switch cooker to WARM and serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks.
Notes
Do not thaw meatballs before slow cooking. Adjust heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne. Sauce can be made 48 hours in advance.